The Approach of Spring                           

Mountain Bluebird

   I say the approach of Spring, for it seems to take its time in onsetting, shifting back and forth between the end of Winter, and a few warm days here and there, the Sun growing ever stronger. Already sunset is about an hour later here, much welcomed after a long, dark Winter.

   Right now there is a steady rain, an inch and a half projected, but it is the wind that really captures my attention. March is like that - the wind seems endless - but it's all a part of the balancing act between seasons, as well as cleansing.

   For in Chinese Medicine Spring is actually a time of cleansing. The climate for Spring and the element of Wood that goes with Spring is the Wind. It cleans out the debris of Winter, and yet too much wind can be harmful. We have been protecting ourselves from the cold, but now we must also face the wind.

   Along with the element of Wood, the liver and gall bladder are associated with Spring, again a time of cleansing. The toxins locked in during the Winter will now be released, cleansed and then a new start that is associated with Spring.

   We start to wake up after hibernating indoors, and get more active. The color green goes with both Wood and Spring, signifying new life.

   The emotion associated with Wood is anger, but too much anger or repressed anger is not healthy and can damage the liver.

   No matter what season we are in, we need to find the balances. There is nothing like a long walk in nature to restore balances and cleanse as well. Try to find more time outdoors if you can.

   Above is our visiting Mountain Bluebird - who came here from out West. Sometimes this species will wander to the East Coast, but it is rare. Here we are Spring and Summer habitat for the Eastern Bluebird.

   This little bird has been here for the Winter on our south shore, in a park on the Great South Bay, with the ocean beyond. She loves to perch on the tops of cedar trees and juniper bushes, or fence posts.

   The beautiful colors, once she spreads her wings are magnificent and remind me of the birds returning from the South. Hummingbirds are already enroute North. This year I hope to put out red Trumpet Vines and Hummingbird feeders, as they have been seen in our area.

   Today is a soaking rain, no sunshine, but keep reminding myself of the Spring days to come!